Lynx Win Home Opener Over Defending Eastern Conference Champions
May 18, 2008 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Minnesota Lynx News Release
Minnesota's 2008 rookie class stole the show Sunday evening at Target Center, leading the Lynx to an 84-70 victory over the Detroit Shock in front of 9,972 Lynx faithful. Rookies Charde Houston (third-round, 30th overall), Candice Wiggins (first-round, third overall) and Nicky Anosike (second-round, 16th overall) combined for 47 points, led by Houston's 21 points. Wiggins added 15 off the bench and Anosike contributed with 11 points and four rebounds. Detroit gained the early momentum on two quick Katie Smith's threes and led 14-8 six minutes in. Minnesota would respond, ending the quarter on a 15-8 run to claim a one-point, 23-22 lead at the conclusion of one. Minnesota stretched their lead out to eight points on a Kristen Rasmussen jumper at the 2:56 mark on the second. A buzzer-beating Wiggins three-pointer sent the Lynx into the locker room with a 45-40 lead. Minnesota was led in scoring at the half by Houston's 11 and Wiggins's eight. Detroit came out firing in the third, cutting the lead to one, 53-52 midway through the quarter. Detroit took their first lead of the game since midway through the second quarter on two Alexis Hornbuckle's free throws, which made the score 56-55 Shock. Much like in the first quarter, Houston came off the bench and provided a huge spark for the Lynx. Houston scored seven points in a 13-4 Lynx run to close out the quarter on top, 68-60. The Lynx would begin to pull away in the fourth, leading my as many as 15 points before settling for the 14-point win. Seimone Augustus awoke from a quiet first three quarters to pace the Lynx with six points in the fourth quarter. The Lynx' bench carried Minnesota to victory, scoring 46 of Minnesota's 84 points, led by Houston's 21 points. Minnesota shot extremely well from the floor Sunday night, shooting .485 FG% (32-of-66) and dished out 20 assists on their 32 made field-goals. Minnesota forced Detroit into 23 turnovers while only committing 11 themselves and had 14 steals, led by the four from Wiggins. Minnesota returns to the court next Tuesday, May 27 when they travel to Houston to take on the Comets. The Lynx next home game will be Saturday, May 31 versus the defending WNBA champion Phoenix Mercury.
LYNX TO PERFORM "TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME" AT TONIGHT'S TWINS GAME
The Minnesota Lynx "10 Days of May-hem" tour culminates on Monday, May 19 when members of the Minnesota Lynx perform "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the 7th inning stretch of tonight's Twins vs. Texas game.
LYNX UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Date Opponent Location Time (CST) Radio TV
Tuesday, May 27 Houston Comets Toyota Center 7:30 PM BOB FM 106 None
Thursday, May 29 Chicago Sky UIC Pavilion 7:00 PM BOB FM 106 None
Saturday, May 31 Phoenix Mercury Target Center 7:00 PM BOB FM 106 None
Tuesday, June 3 Atlanta Dream Phillips Arena 6:00 PM BOB FM 106 None
Friday, June 6 Connecticut Sun Mohegan Sun Arena 6:00 PM BOB FM 106 None
LYNX TICKET INFO Tickets for the Saturday, May 31 home game vs. the defending WNBA champion Phoenix Mercury can be purchased online at www.lynxbasketball.com or by calling 612-673-8400 or at the Target Center Box Office.
Women's National Basketball Association Stories from May 18, 2008
- Minnesota Lynx Sign Guard Sharneé Zoll - Minnesota Lynx
- Lynx Win Home Opener Over Defending Eastern Conference Champions - Minnesota Lynx
- Monarchs Acquire Forward Crystal Kelly Via Waivers - Sacramento Monarchs
- Tickets Available for Tuesday's ESPN2 Game - Seattle Storm
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